LIFE BEYOND FIRST CLASS
DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE
BROWNSTONE
MEETS
EVERGREEN
Steps away from Central Park, this Upper West Side triplex, designed by Barker Architecture Office (BAAO), seamlessly unites two historic brownstone units into a serene Pacific Northwest-inspired sanctuary that balances urban sophistication with familial warmth.
KATHERINE GANNON
PHOTOGRAPHY: GLEVES ANDERSON
Nestled within a historic brownstone on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, this triplex by Barker Architecture Office (BAAO) is a seamless marriage of Pacific Northwest tranquility and New York’s urban sophistication. Designed for a Seattle-based, empty-nester blended family, the apartment is a sanctuary that balances privacy with communal elegance, using a palette inspired by the serene greens, blues, and grays of the Pacific Northwest.
The architectural approach blurred the once-distinct boundaries between the garden duplex and the newly acquired front triplex, uniting the two spaces into a cohesive residence. At the garden level, the main living area and primary suite create a tranquil retreat. White oak shelving frames the street-facing windows of the living room, while a working fireplace anchors the space. A reeded glass wall screens the staircase, adding visual texture and light diffusion.
The kitchen epitomizes functional artistry, featuring white oak cabinetry, a terrazzo island, and deep blue-green cabinets inset with brushed copper. Fantasy soapstone countertops introduce a natural, fluid elegance. Adjacent to the kitchen, a tambour white oak banquette paired with a black wood table offers an intimate dining nook. At the rear, a redesigned façade with a glass door and sidelight bridges the indoor living spaces to the outdoor garden, further enhancing connectivity.
The primary suite features deep blue-gray walls complemented by a white oak slat headboard, continuing into a bathroom that juxtaposes soapstone, terrazzo, and porcelain penny tiles for a rich interplay of textures and hues. On the lower level, a family room adorned with a teal-blue wall and terrazzo-lined bar exudes warmth and vibrancy. A copper Japanese soaking tub, positioned to capture skyward views, transforms the lower-level bath into a serene escape.
Each level caters to distinct functions, ensuring both privacy and flexibility. The upper parlor level houses a loft-like sitting room, playfully adorned with underwater-themed wallpaper, while the lower level accommodates a work-from-home space enveloped in tree-canopy murals. Bathrooms across the residence reveal an array of inventive designs, from forest green tiles to custom terrazzo vanities, showcasing meticulous attention to detail.
This Upper West Side triplex redefines the urban pied-à-terre, blending understated luxury with familial warmth. It stands as a testament to the possibilities of modern architectural reinvention, where every material choice and design element contributes to an environment of effortless harmony and enduring style.